I’m glad you asked! (Or probably didn’t ask, but I’m going to answer the question anyway!) I spent quite a few years in the USA referring to my job as a dialect coach, or someone who works with actors to acquire a specific dialect for a role. After some time in the UK, I now find myself telling people that I am an accent coach … so basically someone who works with actors to acquire a specific accent for a role. But isn’t that the same thing? Why the change in name? Is it even that different?! Why is this even a blog topic?!

According to British linguist David Crystal, the difference between an accent and a dialect is subtle, but certainly definable:

“Accent refers only to features of pronunciation, whereas dialect includes distinctive grammar and vocabulary. Some dialects (notably, standard English) are spoken with many accents.” – David Crystal

Sticking with the hardline definition, that would mean that on U.S. soil my job entailed going through a process of teaching an accent, but also teaching new words and even grammar to an actor. And it would mean that on this side of the pond I only work with actors on the differences in sounds and pronunciation.

While in theory this might explain the change in vocabulary, I would retort that theories don’t always become laws! On either side of the Atlantic, I am always doing accent work when I am coaching an actor to learn specific sounds of a region. However, that can veer very quickly into dialect coaching, as even within English there are various grammar and vocab that are regionally specific.

So, am I a really a disguised dialect coach in a world of accent coaches? Have I cast off a label in order to fit in? Is this a soul-searching moment?

For me, the US dialect coach and the UK accent coach do exactly the same work (keeping in mind that every show is different). Perhaps we can chalk this up to a difference in vocabulary, with 'accent coaches' in the east, and 'dialect coaches' in the west.

So the next time you are looking for someone like me, don't get bogged down in all those labels! A professional coach will identify if you are looking for an accent or a dialect, and will work accordingly - regardless of what their label is on the tin. :)